A Theoretical Analysis of the Tip Relief Effect on Helicopter Rotor Performance
Abstract
A theoretical method is derived whereby the effect of the compressible three-dimensional relief on the torque required for a helicopter rotor may be calculated. The complementary wing approach is used to represent the relief effect. The effect of the wing which complements a finite wing to make it an infinite wing may be found as a reduction in the free-stream velocity. This approach was applied to fixed wings by Anderson and is extended here for application to helicopter rotors. By using a simplified blade element analysis, the magnitude of the change in torque due to tip relief has been calculated and compares well with test results. The method to use the tip relief calculation in more complex blade element computer programs is described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0750179
Entities
People
- John M. Lenard